Garmin releases new update for multiple smartwatches with sleep mode and shutdown improvements

At the end of October, Garmin delivered the first major update for the Fenix 7 series in three months. As we discussed at the time, Beta Version 28.02 arrived with nine overarching changes from the older System Software 27.18.

Now, the company has transitioned beta development to Beta Version 28.07. In a forum post, Garmin clarifies that the new update is available on non-Pro and Pro-branded models, including the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar (curr. $499 - refurbished on Amazon).

However, one must request Beta Version 28.07 manually, with Garmin earmarking the firmware as a 'Check for Updates' only update. To do so, navigate through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

According to Garmin, Beta Version 28.07 makes two significant changes from Beta Version 28.02. On the one hand, the new update should resolve an issue that could cause some Enduro 2, Epix, Fenix 7 and Quatix 7 smartwatches to shut down when paired to a bike shifter.

On the other hand, Beta Version 28.07 addresses a separate bug where the same smartwatches could enter sleep mode even after manually disabling the feature altogether. Garmin adds that Beta Version 28.07 keeps ECG functionality disabled.

Hence, it may offer more v28.xx beta updates before transitioning development to its stable software branch. The full list of changes between System Software 27.18 and Beta Version 28.07 are as follows:

• Fixed a device validation issue that would sometimes come up when downloading TopoActive maps.
• Fixed an issue where HRM 200/600 would not work during Golf activities.
• Fixed an issue where navigation calculation would sometimes fail.
• Fixed an issue where new clubs added on the Garmin Golf app are not visible on device's club list.
• Fixed an issue where sometimes rangefinders would display stale data.
• Fixed an issue where sometimes the calendar widget would be slow to load.
• Fixed an issue where the device would sometimes shut down when paired to a bike shifter.
• Fixed an issue where the Garmin Coach widget would sometimes not show data.
• Fixed an issue where the GPS setting for an outdoor activity would be disabled after selecting the indoor version of the activity.
• Fixed an issue where the watch would enter into sleep mode even after manually disabling sleep mode.
• Fixed stability issues when downloading maps on the map manager app.